Tether, the company behind the widely used stablecoin USD₮, has announced a strategic alliance with Yellow Card, a prominent pan-African fintech and cryptocurrency exchange. The collaboration aims to raise awareness, provide education, and foster the adoption of Tether’s stablecoin among students and young professionals in Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana. Phase 1 of the alliance focused on various activities, including Financial Literacy Tours in universities and a canvassing campaign in major cities. Over 10,000 young people, including students from renowned institutions, were reached, gaining insights into stablecoins, blockchain technology, and responsible financial decision-making. Attendees received their first USD₮ on the Yellow Card platform.
Peter Mureu, Director of Marketing at Yellow Card, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the profound impact of financial education on youth and the alignment with their mission to promote financial freedom. The surge in cryptocurrency adoption in Africa, which saw a 1200% increase between 2021 and 2022, necessitates greater education to address hesitancy due to a lack of awareness and understanding. The Yellow Card and Tether collaboration aims to bridge this knowledge gap and promote widespread adoption.
Paolo Ardoino, CTO of Tether, recognized Africa as a pivotal player in the cryptocurrency and stablecoin market, emphasizing the continent’s potential for growth and innovation. The increasing adoption and demand for stablecoins in Africa indicate a need for accessible and efficient financial solutions. Tether’s stablecoin, USD₮, offers practical solutions for cross-border payments and empowers individuals, including gig economy workers, to receive fast and secure transactions, bypassing traditional intermediaries.
Stablecoins like USD₮ address unique challenges faced in Africa, particularly in cross-border payments. They provide convenient and cost-effective methods, reducing reliance on traditional channels with high fees and delays. This is especially relevant for African countries that receive substantial remittances from their diaspora populations working abroad. Tether’s collaboration with Yellow Card enables gig economy workers to receive fast and secure payments across borders without intermediaries like banks or payment processors.
The achievements of Phase 1 in the Yellow Card and Tether collaboration highlight the importance of financial education and set the stage for continued collaboration in Phase 2. The next phase aims to reach a broader audience across Africa, with a continued focus on educational initiatives. This includes the development of digital courses to equip more Africans with the knowledge and skills required to navigate the world of stablecoins and cryptocurrencies.
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